Techniques in vascular and interventional radiology
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Facet and sacroiliac joint pathology are not an uncommon cause of back or neck pain. Imaging-guided techniques provide ready access to these synovial joints. Percutaneous injection of the facet or sacroiliac joints yields important diagnostic information as to whether or not the interrogated joint is involved in the patient's pain syndrome. The injection of a steroid-anesthetic mixture into these joints is capable of providing significant, albeit temporary, pain relief.
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Tech Vasc Interv Radiol · Dec 2002
ReviewThe pharmaceuticals and materials used in common spine interventions.
Image-guided spine interventions are rapidly increasing in number in the realm of the interventional radiologist. Appropriate selection and understanding of the pharmaceuticals used in these procedures is necessary to minimize complications and maximize successful outcomes.
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Epidural steroid injection has been proven to be useful in the treatment of acute lumbosacral radicular pain syndromes. The use of image guidance significantly increases accuracy and decreases complication rates. The technique of performing these injections, including translaminar approach, is described in this article. Necessary precautions and potential risks are also described.
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Selective nerve root blocks are an effective way of diagnosing and treating radicular pain in many patients. Although traditionally performed under fluoroscopic guidance, computed tomography (CT) and CT fluoroscopy have been increasingly used to direct needle placement. This article discusses the indications and technique of selective nerve root blocks in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as the evidence supporting their use in the treatment of patients with radiculopathy and/or back pain.